The Muskogee County EMS Sentimental Journey program provides special trips to requested destinations for terminally ill and/or hospice patients. Sentimental Journey is considered a complimentary therapy program to assist hospice and palliative care facilities in providing patients with the very best care for those living with a life-limiting illness. Medical research has demonstrated that complimentary programs such as Sentimental Journey can be instrumental in relieving stress, decreasing pain, and adding quality to one’s remaining days. Let the journey begin …. Patient Screening The patients who can participate in this program are as follows, but exceptions can be made.

1. Eligibility for this program will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

2. MCEMS, the hospice agency or the healthcare provider will determine the appropriateness for the transportation.

3. Patients who have other resources for trips should use these resources, thus enabling the ambulance service
and hospice to reserve this service for patients who otherwise would not be able to benefit from such a trip due
to the lack of transportation resources, complex disease process, and/or mobility limitations.

4. Patients who require oxygen therapy may have trip limitations.

5. If no family member or friend is available, and the patient requires assistance with medications during the trip, eligibility of the patient may depend on the patient’s capability to administer his or her own medication. Patients on
continuous IV therapy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

6. Acute care patients and those at risk of imminent death should not participate due to the regulatory requirements for patient care. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Referral Process
Any MCEMS staff member, hospital, or hospice agency can recommend a patient for this service. The Muskogee County EMS Sentimental Journey team will screen all requests to ensure the patient is appropriate for the program. All referrals require at least two weeks advanced notice.

Approval Process
When MCEMS is informed of a request, we will contact the patient and/or family or hospice. The request will be reviewed and MCEMS may do an in-person assessment. We will contact the agency in charge of care to obtain the client specific information, such as the Physician’s orders, DNR order, and all other pertinent information regarding the patient before making a final decision to approve the transport.

Caregiver Responsibilities
Those responsible for the care of the patient must provide MCEMS with copies of necessary paperwork. This may include: the Hospice Treatment Plan, any physician orders, a copy of the DNR, and/or any other needed information regarding the patient.

Certifications